Shikha Ngairangbam1 , Ratan Konjengbam2
Among the thyroid cancers, papillary carcinoma is the most common type. Warthin tumor like papillary carcinoma of thyroid is a rare variant of papillary carcinoma. The distinguishing feature of this rare variant is papillary formations lined by tumor cells with oncocytic cytoplasm with nuclear features of papillary carcinoma and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate in the papillary stalks with striking histological resemblance to Warthin’s tumor of salivary glands. A 46 years old female with complaints of painless swelling of the neck for four years and gradually increasing in size, measuring 3x2.5 cm on the right lobe of the thyroid gland. The swelling moved with deglutition, non-tender and firm to hard in consistency. Thyroid function was within normal limits. FNAC suggested a diagnosis of oxyphilic variant of papillary carcinoma of thyroid. It showed syncytial aggregates, sheets of cells and few papillary structures with focal nuclear crowding. The patient underwent bilateral total thyroidectomy and neck dissection. Microscopic examination showed predominantly follicles and small papillary structures lined by cells having eosinophilic cytoplasm and clear nucleus. There was lymphoid stroma in the core of papillae and interfolllicular areas. Hyalinized collagen, dystrophic calcification and follicles without colloid matter infiltrating the hyalinised area were seen. No lymphovascualr tumour embolization were noted. This tumor is found more commonly in women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. The prognosis is favourable as conventional papillary carcinoma. About 8% of Warthin’s tumor are detected in extraparotid locations.
